An Analysis of Waiting Times for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients with Prostate Cancer Established by the Requirements of the Fast-Track Cancer Treatment Pathway, Taking into Account Treatment Steps

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in 112 countries, accounting for 1 in 14 diagnosed cancer cases worldwide. For this reason, the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer changed significantly, becoming a multidisciplinary process. Since 2015 in Poland, measures have been taken to accelerate the diagnosis and treatment of cancers, including shortening patients' diagnosis and treatment waiting times. BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to characterize the current clinical pathway of patients with prostate cancer and to establish standard times for various steps of treatment, as well as to develop a visualization of the steps involved in diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: The research covers 2018 to 2022 in a large oncological hospital in Poland (EU area). The source data, in the form of 10 fully anonymized CSV files generated from the hospital's medical statistics, have been converted to the target data model. RESULTS: The time limits for diagnosing and commencing the treatment of patients with diagnosed prostate cancer specified by legal regulations and by guidelines of scientific associations are not met in 42% of cases. The greatest delays concern the initiation of the steps of treatment (53%) and comprehensive diagnostics (37%). The diagnostic pathways should be modified to facilitate early and rapid detection of prostate cancer and to allow further therapy within the time limit strictly defined by regulations and guidelines of scientific associations.